We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Denice, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Denice lives in the Philippines, and submitted the following report about Furano and Nakafurano. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Japanese, English
Farm Tomita in Furano has the most photogenic view of the beautifully lined up flowers.
Reasons to Visit Furano & Nakafurano
In summer, a variety of flowers in vivid colors are grown in Furano and Nakafurano but these areas are popular for lavender. Lots of crafts made of lavender can be purchased here, even lavender ice-cream. The flower fields create a very colorful world. The privately owned Farm Tomita is the most popular flower plantation that is open to the public with no admission fee. Such scenery can only be witnessed in summer, particularly in late July to early August when the flowers are in full bloom. The picturesque view of the flower fields is enough reason to visit Furano and Nakafurano in Hokkaido in summer but you can also visit the Furano Winery and the Furano Cheese Factory. Ningle Terrace is also a nice place for hand crafted souvenirs like scented candles, kaleidoscopes, papier mache, and more.
Trains from Sapporo to Furano take around an hour. Public transportation around Furano and Nakafurano runs hourly thus it is most convenient to just hire a car and drive (or hire a local tour guide with a car). Cab fares are very expensive, so I wouldn't recommend it.
The towns are cozy and the rural ambience is very relaxing. There are not a lot of fancy places to go for nightlife, though small pubs are open for a drink.
Hotel costs are very expensive during peak season (both summer and winter – Hokkaido is a popular ski destination during winter) so I recommend looking for AirBnB accommodations.
Purple ocean – a vast lavender field.
Another flower field at Farm Tomita.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
